337-298-7998
1510 Courtableau Hwy
Highway 93
Arnaudville LA 70512
P.O. Box 556
Arnaudville LA 70512
Empowerment through Cultural Advocacy, Creative Thinking, Partnerships and Project Development.
About Mavis
Mavis Arnaud Frugé is a woman with a kind heart and strong spirit. Overcoming obstacles seems to drive her and with tireless effort in all of her undertakings, Mavis makes things happen.
A native of Arnaudville, Mavis married Richard Frugé who was enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. They are the parents of 3 daughters, 10 grandchildren and great grandchildren. The military family lived in San Antonio, Biloxi, Florida, Japan, Alaska and Shreveport which introduced them to many cultures and, more importantly, developing in Mavis an appreciation of her own Cajun roots.
When Richard retired, they returned to Arnaudville and both became very active in community affairs. Mavis continued to work in banking until retiring to pursue her passion of keeping her Acadian culture and French language alive.
Mavis and Richard were involved in VFW and also the CFMA area chapter and made many friends along the way.
Since the start of the Arnaudville Area Chamber of Commerce, Mavis has participated in various roles including on the Board of Directors, and Chair of the Chamber’s 200 Club. She is an active member of the Mardi Gras Krewe de La Jonction and has volunteered in numerous activities of the Krewe since its inception. She also assisted in the annual Cycle Zydeco program when bikers traveled the countryside and made stops in Arnaudville. Mavis is an excellent hostess.Hurricane Katrina brought an influx of artists to Arnaudville and Mavis worked with George Marks in the many activities related to the arts and the Fire and Water – Le Feu et l’Eau Festival.
A Parishioner of St. John Francis Regis Catholic Church in Arnaudville, Mavis volunteered in many of its activities. One of the most successful support organizations for the church is St. Therese’s, a resale shop which collects used items for donation to the needy and for resale. Mavis spends time sorting, washing and mending items for St. Therese’s and devotes many hours working in the shop.
Mavis has served on the board of the St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission and volunteers in many activities like Embrace Life, Retire St. Landry and is an excellent ambassador for St. Landry Parish.
Perhaps because Mavis lived in many areas of the world, she loves making people feel welcome to Acadiana. She has been involved with CODIFIL for many years. She loves traveling, especially to France and is a wonderful guide as she has learned much about the country of her ancestors. She welcomes many French visitors and also has hosted over 400 Francophone guests.
She has arranged an exchange program with Beau Chene and St. Yves School in Gourin, France. When the French students visited, Mavis arranged for the students to volunteer in different industries, including farming, tourism and two girls even volunteered at J. M. Morrow Nursing Home in Arnaudville.
In recent years she started the La Table Francaise d'Arnaudville and the last Saturday of every month you will find her welcoming participants. Please join her at NuNu’s on Highway 93 in Arnaudville from 9:00 a.m. to Noon. You will enjoy it.
The Opelousas-St. Landry Parish Chamber of Commerce named her its 2010 "Woman of the Year" for her many volunteer efforts.
Through the Jacques Arnaud French Studies Collective and NUNU Arts and Culture Collective, Mavis has developed a network of cultural outreach that focuses on education, language, arts, music, economics and social development. In 2013. Mavis received the Lt. Governor’s Prix de la Franco-Responsabilité for her efforts in preserving the French language.
In 2014, Mavis was invited to join the Acadian Memorial Foundation Board in St. Martinville and once more she is honored to serve.
The French Government has awarded her the Ordre des Palmes Academiques award at the 2015 Louisiana Culture Awards Ceremony on April 14 2015.
Mavis has even brought La Table Francaise to J. M. Morrow Memorial Nursing Home where the many French-speaking residents welcome the monthly gathering with enthusiasm and love to exchange stories and re-visit the old times all en français.
Over the years, Mavis has used her experience and many talents to benefit her community and her parish. She is a wonderful ambassador and friend to many. She is an example of a Citizen who finds a way to make the world a better place.
